RINGGOLD, Ga. — The Ringgold City Council denied an unpopular rezoning request from a prominent local businessman Tuesday when they learned the proposal would violate city ordinances.

The council unanimously voted down Jack Babb’s request to rezone 10 acres at Whittemore and Guyler streets to RTZ, for townhouses. The current R-1 and C-1 zoning allows residential and commercial uses.

Mr. Babb’s project was for townhouses that would be rental property, but city zoning law requires townhouses be owned, Vice Mayor Terry Crawford noted.

“Since our zoning requires owner occupancy, I have to make a motion we turn it down,” Mr. Crawford said.

More than a dozen residents who lived near the proposed project of 60 townhomes, attended Tuesday’s meeting to again speak against the project.

Floyd Croft, who owns seven lots in the area according to the Catoosa County tax map, said he would put his land on the market if the townhomes were allowed.

“It would be government assisted housing,” Mr. Croft said.

Realtor Steve Swanson, who represented the Babbs, said they were disappointed.

“We thought it was the highest and best use of the property,” said Mr. Swanson.